Merrill Lynch and Merrill Edge launched five new portfolios incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in response to growing demand for investments with the potential to produce positive societal outcomes without sacrificing financial returns.
Designed by the Global Wealth and Investment Management Chief Investment Office (CIO), the new CIO Core Impact Portfolios incorporate the CIO's disciplined investment process, portfolio construction views, portfolio management and oversight routines.
They consist primarily of exchange-traded funds and require a minimum investment of $5,000. The five portfolios model investor profiles ranging from conservative to aggressive. These offerings expand upon an existing array of impact offerings on both the Merrill Lynch and Merrill Edge platforms.
"The demand for ESG-integrated investment options has increased, as more investors are seeking a 'double bottom-line' approach to investing and a way to add an environmental or societal impact objective to a financial return," said Chris Hyzy, chief investment officer for GWIM, in a statement.
JPMorgan Cuts Fees on Four ETFs
JPMorgan is cutting fees on some of its exchange traded funds.
The fee on the JPMorgan Diversified Return Europe Currency Hedged ETF is dropping from 49 basis points (bps) to 38bps, as is the JPMorgan Diversified Return International Currency Hedged ETF.
The fees on both the JPMorgan Diversified Return Europe Equity ETF and the JPMorgan Diversified Return International Equity ETF are being lowered from 43bps to 38bps.
Aberdeen Standard Investments Broadens U.S. Business With Addition of ETF Securities
U.S. Aberdeen Standard Investments acquired the U.S. business of ETF Securities, a specialist commodity exchange-traded product (ETP) provider.
